The Best Home Espresso Machine
Superautomatic espresso machines are a great alternative for those who don't have barista experience, but want to enjoy high-quality coffee at home. These machines have automated features and digital convenience. They also rapidly heat up and don't take up a lot of counter space.
This model is programmable with a volumetric dose and an adjustable preinfusion. It comes with steaming wand, as well as a commercial-grade grouphead.
1. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus, despite its cute name, is a serious machine. It is packed with features, making it a great option for those looking to upgrade from the basic Breville espresso machines or need an automated alternative to manual.
It is equipped with a PID controller to manage the temperature and pressure control, which means it's ready to make espresso when you press the button. It makes use of a technology referred to as Thermo jet, which lets it heat up in only 3 seconds. This means you can make your coffee quicker than other home espresso machines.
The machine was designed with simplicity in mind, and so there's just one button that can control everything. You can select a single shot or a double shot and set the brewing time which is something you can't do with other espresso machines at this price point. The polished stainless finish gives it a premium appearance, and its small size is ideal for those with a small counter space or a tighter kitchen.
The Bambino Plus also comes with all of the accessories you need to get started brewing, such as an tamper made of metal measuring 54 millimeters and a dose trimmer tool. This is the only machine of its kind that does this. It shows how Breville strives to ensure that their products are as secure and reliable as is possible. It is equipped with reminders to descale and clean it so it can run smoothly.
If you're a novice to espresso coffee, the Bambino Plus is arguably the best choice for an entry-level home espresso machine. It's easy to use and has a fast heating time and does a great job of automatically blending milk for you. However, its high cost could make it out of reach for some people.
2. De'Longhi Stilosa
The De'Longhi Stilosa manual espresso machine is a well-rounded, budget-friendly option that's ideal for beginners and coffee enthusiasts. It's easy to use and looks good on the counter and produces excellent cappuccinos, espresso and lattes. It does have some drawbacks which must be considered.
The Stilosa was below average for its brew control and quality in our metrics of brewing. This was due to the small size of the filter baskets, as well as the lack of a temperature control. Both of these aspects limit your ability customize extraction. We were impressed by the fact that this machine can be heated quickly and that the spout could be adjusted to an ideal height.
The model also comes with a convenient water reservoir that can hold up to 34 ounces. It also has an inbuilt indicator for level that lets you know when to refill. It's removable, which can be useful if you need to clean it or don't have access to the sink. Another new feature on this model is a movable drip tray that lets you put taller cups on the spout.
Stilosa was also a disappointment on our steaming measurements. This was due to its insufficient control of the temperature of steam and the lack of pre-infusion options. Both of these are features that are common in machines that cost more. Despite these shortcomings we liked its ease of maintain and comes with a one-year warranty. The De'Longhi Stilosa is a great option for a home coffee bar. It's a bit easier to use than other models we've tested and will save you money over the cost of cafe drinks.
3. Breville Barista Express Impress
The Breville Express Impress Barista (that's quite a mouthful, wouldn't you think?) is a machine specifically designed for people who are interested in espresso. This single boiler, pumps-driven machine was designed to make it simple for anyone to pull an espresso shot without sacrificing flavor or consistency in the brewing.
First of all it takes the guesswork out of adjusting the grinder, tamper and brew group settings by using its easy-to-use controls. You can choose between double and single shots, and your preferred temperature. The thermocoil heater in the machine ensures that your espresso is ready to go within 30 seconds. This is a lot faster than the 30-minute wait most single boiler machines need to reach temperature.
espresso machine sale Coffeee dosing-and-tamping system, which works with the tamper, dials in the right amount of ground coffee per shot. The system utilizes sensors to measure the depth of the basket and adjusts the amount of ground coffee that is dispensed. If you're not sure about your ability to control the grind size and temperature of the water the machine has presets that can be helpful.
In addition, the Barista Express Impress includes the famous single-hole steam wand, which is capable of churning out some pretty impressive artworks of latte also. The same wand will find in Breville's more advanced, top-of-the-line Barista Express models, and it's an absolute delight.
I'm not a huge fan of coffee shortcuts, fully automated machines or pods. But the Impress does exactly what it says without being intimidating or taking the fun from making espresso. I'm happy with that and give it a thumbs up!
4. Diletta Mio
The Diletta Mio is a great option for home baristas who value quality design, aesthetics, and ease of use. Its sleek aesthetic, professional-grade components and consistently high-quality performance make it an ideal conversation piece for your coffee bar. It's also a great choice for those who are new to the coffee industry and want to master the ins and outs of steaming and espresso without being overwhelmed by the programming and complexity.
The brew heater that is controlled by PID is among its most striking features. It provides quick warm-up times and stable temperature water. This is crucial for espresso, as small variations in temperature of the water can have a big impact on the flavor and quality of your coffee.
The separate steaming thermoblock of the Diletta is another thing that stands out. It lets you steam milk and brew espresso at the same time. This can be a major time saver, and also assists in ensuring that your milk has the perfect texture for your beverages. It also saves energy by only using power when it's required.
This machine has a pressure gauge on the head of the group. It's a nice touch because it allows you to monitor the pressure of your extraction live. You can alter the OPV for a finer extraction. This is usually reserved for machines that cost much more.
Other notable characteristics of the Diletta include its easy-to-clean, side-accessible water tank, as well as its energy saving mode, which can be set in 10-minute increments up to two hours. Its insulated boiler wrap further reduces heat loss, and its dual-temperature system reduces static electricity, resulting in less waste and lower energy bills.
However, some customers have complained about the longevity of the machine and lengthy repair times. In addition, some have experienced poor customer service from Diletta and have had trouble in resolving warranty issues.
5. Jura E8
This high-end super-automatic machine is capable of offering an array of specialty drinks that can be made with just a single button. It also makes ristretto, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat whites, as well as tea, hot chocolate, and plain coffee. Its innovative brewing technology and its sleek color display are just a few of the attributes that separate this machine from the rest.
The E8 uses the Aroma G3 grinder to grind whole beans quickly and precisely. It comes with eight grind settings that may appear to be a lot when compared to other super automatics which have only 3 or 4. But the fact is, the higher settings give you greater control over the size and consistency of your grind, and this is essential for creating a great cup of coffee.
The Jura E8 is equipped with powerful burr grinders and an intelligent pre-infusion process. These two features make for a cup of espresso that is consistently of high-quality. The PEP process makes use of short bursts of water to force the coffee through the grinder, which allows for full flavor extraction. The resultant cup is richer, fuller, and more flavorful than the average instant coffee from a Keurig.
The Jura E8 can make a variety of drinks, and it does this exceptionally well. It produces excellent, strong espresso and a smooth and silky cappuccino. The only downside is that it's unable to make an adequate latte, which requires high pressure from steam boilers to make a thick foam.
Like many super automated machines however, this one does require some maintenance, but is fairly easy to keep clean. It will descale automatically and self-clean after every use. It is easy to program it to do a more thorough cleaning every two or three times a year. It will also remind to change the filter every 80 drinks.